Sepsis is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. and accounts for about 6% of acute care admissions each year. It is also the #1 cause of readmission to acute care facilities, with a 90-day readmission rate of nearly 40%. On average, approximately 35% of patients diagnosed with septic shock do not survive. Estimates also indicate that 78% of patients admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 also have sepsis.

Nurses know all too well that these statistics are not just numbers; they represent actual people ― your patients, individuals with families and lives of their own. Clearly, many patients admitted to an acute care hospital are at risk for developing sepsis or septic shock.

AACN understands that as clinicians at the forefront of care, you are uniquely positioned to impact their odds of survival.

Early recognition is essential. Some studies estimate that mortality increases 4%-9% every hour that sepsis treatment is delayed. Your crucial first assessment can make all the difference ― but you need to know the signs. Keeping up with the latest evidence-based knowledge and best practices enables you to maximize the impact of your care for patients with sepsis and septic shock.

AACN offers an array of resources that translate current sepsis guidelines, research, evidence and recommended practices specifically for application by nurses at the bedside.

As the first line of defense for patients with sepsis, your early recognition of the signs and ability to deliver timely, effective care can mean the difference between life and death.

Keep up with the latest developments in sepsis treatment with this timely selection of AACN resources, intended to help you deliver the best evidence-based care for patients with sepsis.